Common Symptoms Of The Zika Virus

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain impacts many Zika virus patients. In the majority of cases, the pain itself is generally mild. However, lower back pain can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. For example, the patient might have trouble sleeping due to the pain, and they may also have to get up several times a night to change position or to walk around. Back pain can also make it difficult to sit down for extended periods, and it may cause patients to be less active than they would normally be. If lower back pain develops after a trip to an area with a Zika virus outbreak, patients should carefully monitor their pain levels and the duration of the pain. They should note any accompanying symptoms too. In assessing lower back pain, doctors will ask the patient to move in certain directions, and they may gently touch the patient's back to feel for any tenderness. Lower back pain associated with the Zika virus usually resolves after the virus has cleared from the body. Pain relievers, heating pads, and gentle stretches can help reduce the discomfort associated with this symptom.